Taken from The
National Park Service's "The
American Battlefield Protection Program."
Suffolk
CWSAC Reference #: VA030
Other Names: Norfleet House Battery
Preservation Priority: IV.1 (Class C)
Location: Suffolk
Campaign: Longstreet's Tidewater Operations (February-May 1863)
Date(s): April 11-May 4, 1863
Principal Commanders: Brig. Gen. John Peck [US]; Lt. Gen. James Longstreet [CS]
Forces Engaged: Divisions (45,000 total)
Estimated Casualties: (1,160 entire siege)
Description: In cooperation with D.H. Hill's advance on Washington, North Carolina, Lt.
Gen. James Longstreet with Hood's and Pickett's divisions besieged the Union garrison at
Suffolk commanded by Brig. Gen. John Peck. The Union works were formidable and manned by
25,000 men, opposed to Longstreet's 20,000. On April 13, the Confederate troops pushed
their left flank to the Nansemond River and constructed a battery on Hill's Point, which
closed off the garrison to Union shipping. On April 14, Union gunboats attempted to run
the batteries at the Norfleet House slightly upstream, but Mount Washington was crippled.
The Federals, at the same time, constructed batteries to command the Confederate works at
Norfleet House. On April 15, these batteries were unmasked and opened fire, driving the
Confederates out of this important position.
Result(s): Inconclusive

Suffolk
CWSAC Reference #: VA031
Other Names: Fort Huger, Hill's Point
Preservation Priority: II.3 (Class C)
Location: Suffolk
Campaign: Longstreet's Tidewater Operations (February-May 1863)
Date(s): April 11-May 4, 1863
Principal Commanders: Brig. Gen. John Peck [US]; Lt. Gen. James Longstreet [CS]
Forces Engaged: Divisions (45,000 total)
Estimated Casualties: 152 total (1,160 for entire siege)
Description: On April 19, a Union infantry force landed on Hill's Point at the confluence
of the forks of the Nansemond River. This amphibious force assaulted Fort Huger from the
rear, quickly capturing its garrison, thus reopening the River to Union shipping. On April
24, Brig. Gen. Michael Corcoran's Union division mounted a reconnaissance-in-force from
Fort Dix against Maj. Gen. George E. Pickett's extreme right flank. The Federals
approached cautiously and were easily repulsed. On April 29, Gen. Robert E. Lee directed
Longstreet to disengage from Suffolk and rejoin the Army of Northern Virginia at
Fredericksburg. By May 4, the last of Longstreet's command had crossed the Blackwater
River en route to Richmond.
Result(s): Inconclusive
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